This young man caught my eye when his interview popped up in the New York Times. While trying to save his house, a coconut smashed into his leg. His main worries during the interview revolved around the well-being and survival of his wife and kids. He, a farmer, was their breadwinner. Despite being injured, you can tell from the photograph that he was a healthy and handsome man prior to the typhoon. While reading the article, I remember feeling a surge of hope that he would make it even though a doctor was pretty much dismissing the case, saying that the prognosis was poor.
Even if it was only a broken leg.
Unfortunately, the doctor was right. Nutrients and antibiotics did not make it to Mr. Pulga soon enough and he very recently just passed away from infection. Probably in intense pain, since painkillers apparently didn't make it to him either.
Now his biggest fears have been realized and his family is without a breadwinner. What's even worse is that after the picture of his body next to his wife was taken, his body was unable to be found. Most likely, it was taken to a mass grave.
R.I.P. Mr. Pulga.. and all the others who have had to suffer unimaginably or leave this world because of problems with logistics and what's looking more and more like a Philippine government that is not able to properly take on the immense task of getting the victims food, water and medical help in a timely manner. I know, I know ... this is an issue that can bring on debates for days. I myself haven't been to the Philippines since 2004 plus I lack the knowledge to make a detailed and thorough judgement. My first impression however is to side with Anderson Cooper on this one. The government was not able to get on its feet fast enough. Reading the comments proved how much Filipinos (both local and abroad) agree. The public personalities that are pissed at the "negative" coverage need to face the painful reality and DO something about it instead of whine about being portrayed in a bad light.
I can't even complain about all the snow that's falling in Edmonton right now. How lucky am I that I can work, dance and eat when I please? And that my family and friends are safe? I'm one effing lucky bugger.
Mind Farts
-thank you Shaw for making Filipino channels free during this time. the news updates were brutally heartbreaking, but so important
-this obsession with the typhoon has brought about the realization that i need to be more connected with my country of birth. i need to read more, understand more. i mean, i love to read and how many Filipino novelists have i even read recently? zilch. nada. zero.
-the realization may also have started to awaken in Hawaii, where i saw so many Filipino faces and saw the intertwining and similarities going on between Hawaiian and Filipino culture
-speaking of culture - i have a thing for first/second generation immigrants with stories to tell. i love comparing notes about the awkwardness and difficulties of trying to adjust to North American life as a child. just read Mindy Kaling's memoir and found it delightful and hilarious
-more laughter courtesy of Toronto mayor Rob Ford - how is he still in office?. wow, just wow. i don't have any words
Even if it was only a broken leg.
Unfortunately, the doctor was right. Nutrients and antibiotics did not make it to Mr. Pulga soon enough and he very recently just passed away from infection. Probably in intense pain, since painkillers apparently didn't make it to him either.
Now his biggest fears have been realized and his family is without a breadwinner. What's even worse is that after the picture of his body next to his wife was taken, his body was unable to be found. Most likely, it was taken to a mass grave.
R.I.P. Mr. Pulga.. and all the others who have had to suffer unimaginably or leave this world because of problems with logistics and what's looking more and more like a Philippine government that is not able to properly take on the immense task of getting the victims food, water and medical help in a timely manner. I know, I know ... this is an issue that can bring on debates for days. I myself haven't been to the Philippines since 2004 plus I lack the knowledge to make a detailed and thorough judgement. My first impression however is to side with Anderson Cooper on this one. The government was not able to get on its feet fast enough. Reading the comments proved how much Filipinos (both local and abroad) agree. The public personalities that are pissed at the "negative" coverage need to face the painful reality and DO something about it instead of whine about being portrayed in a bad light.
Life and death - days apart. Photos from the New York Times
I can't even complain about all the snow that's falling in Edmonton right now. How lucky am I that I can work, dance and eat when I please? And that my family and friends are safe? I'm one effing lucky bugger.
Mind Farts
-thank you Shaw for making Filipino channels free during this time. the news updates were brutally heartbreaking, but so important
-this obsession with the typhoon has brought about the realization that i need to be more connected with my country of birth. i need to read more, understand more. i mean, i love to read and how many Filipino novelists have i even read recently? zilch. nada. zero.
-the realization may also have started to awaken in Hawaii, where i saw so many Filipino faces and saw the intertwining and similarities going on between Hawaiian and Filipino culture
-speaking of culture - i have a thing for first/second generation immigrants with stories to tell. i love comparing notes about the awkwardness and difficulties of trying to adjust to North American life as a child. just read Mindy Kaling's memoir and found it delightful and hilarious
-more laughter courtesy of Toronto mayor Rob Ford - how is he still in office?. wow, just wow. i don't have any words
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